Translation guide
The practice of refraining from something, often for health, moral, or religious reasons. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 節制 (sessei), but other words are used depending on what is being abstained from.
Expressing the concept of abstaining from indulgences in general, such as food, drink, or pleasures, often for health or discipline.
The most common and general term for abstinence or temperance, referring to self-restraint in various aspects of life, especially regarding food, drink, and pleasures.
I try to practice abstinence for my health.
Refers to abstinence from desires or pleasures, often with a moral or religious connotation. It implies a stricter, more disciplined avoidance of worldly pleasures.
He leads an abstinent life.
Self-control or self-restraint. It is often used in contexts of controlling one's impulses or desires, but is less specific to abstinence as a lifestyle.
I refrain from sweets with self-restraint.
Specifically referring to not drinking alcohol, often for health, religious, or recovery reasons.
The standard term for abstinence from alcohol. It can refer to a temporary or permanent decision not to drink.
The doctor advised me to abstain from alcohol.
He is abstaining from alcohol for his health.
A more emphatic phrase meaning to give up alcohol completely, often used when someone quits drinking.
I decided to give up alcohol starting this year.
Refraining from sexual activity, often for religious, moral, or personal reasons.
The most common term for sexual abstinence, though it can also refer to abstinence from other desires. Context usually clarifies the meaning.
They observe sexual abstinence for religious reasons.
A more direct and clinical phrase meaning to refrain from sexual activity.
Refraining from particular items or behaviors, often for health, ethical, or religious reasons.
A versatile pattern meaning 'to give up' or 'abstain from' something. The object is the thing being abstained from.
Abstain from meat.
It's hard to abstain from sweets.
Means 'to refrain from' or 'to cut down on'. It is softer than 断つ and can imply moderation rather than complete abstinence.
Please abstain from salt (i.e., reduce salt intake).
節制 (sessei) is about moderation and self-restraint in daily life, often for health. 禁欲 (kin'yoku) implies a stricter, often morally or religiously motivated abstinence from desires or pleasures. 節制 is more about balance, while 禁欲 is about denial.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'abstinence'. It's important to specify what is being abstained from, or use a general term like 節制 if the context is clear. Using 禁欲 for casual dieting would sound overly dramatic.
The doctor told me to abstain from sexual activity.